Agenda item

A report was received to present the revised draft SCR Energy Strategy. It was noted this takes into account the steer and comments of the SCR Infrastructure Board.

Members were presented with the background and context to the Strategy, the process taken to prepare the draft, consideration of what matters are of greatest pertinence to our locality, the evidence base collated and the proposed goals and policies (to drive clean growth and decarbonisation in our local businesses whilst maintaining competitiveness, to promote investment, to improve energy efficiency and to accelerate the transition towards ultralow emission vehicles)

A timeline for how the SCR might achieve its net zero carbon ambition was provided.

Members thanked officers for the work that has gone into preparing the draft. It was suggested practically everyone wants to realise a low carbon economy and this is a clear way the SCR LEP can play its part in achieving that vision.

It was suggested that of primary concern must be the need to develop costed actions rather than just un-costed strategic ambition, and be able to keep up with the national agenda to ensure the SCR can build on its industrial and advanced manufacturing heritage in attracting and developing the new jobs associated with new markets and sectors.

Questions were raised regarding whether the draft is trying to say too much for both energy generation (and the low carbon economy) and energy usage (and the reduction of the region’s usage to net zero) and whether the focus here should be primarily centred with energy generation.

It was suggested that pending the development of costed actions and identified sources of funding, the Strategy should be best viewed as a ‘statement of intent’.

The meeting considered the importance of having proper plans and actions in place that will help people understand and respond to what will be the right things to do to address climate change.

Consideration was given to how the issue of fuel poverty should be best referenced in the narrative. It was suggested that whilst this may not be a direct component we need to be absolutely mindful of it as a major social problem with the propensity to greatly affect the strategy’s ambition if not addressed.

Members questioned the ‘green heart of Great Britain’ concept and suggested efforts need to be made to avoid appearing to tell people how to run their lives.

It was suggested the Strategy needs to be realistically couched and demonstrate the SCR as a region in transition that can do better, rather than something we will never achieve.

Consideration was given to the effect of national policies and the requirement for an economy that is better and fairer for everyone if people are to be convinced to give up their car within a nearer timeframe.

Examples were cited for other regions, nationally and internationally, that are ahead of the SCR in terms of their transition towards a low carbon economy, and what has been done (that the SCR could mirror) to address the social consequences of change.

Members were informed of what will be taken to the next meeting of the SCR MCA to present a response framework to the Mayor’s declaration of a climate emergency. It was noted this doesn’t does associate with energy strategies but also transport and the spatial developments that may be required to adapt to change.

RESOLVED, that the Board notes the current version of the SCR Energy Strategy and requests the comments raised be factored into subsequent drafts.